I'm a failure with a leaking window - save me please

[Homer J]

Hi All

Sun Odyssey 37 with a stuck on acrylic window that needs rebedding as it's leaking and getting worse. Yes I probably could have a crack at it myself but I'm confident that this will mean that

1) It takes forever
2) It looks awful
3) leak will be worse than before
4) there will be adhesive everywhere
5) it will cost more
6) I will call someone out
7) they will ask me who is responsible for the mess
8) I will lie
9) it will cost me much more than getting someone out in the first place
10) (I've already tried with Captain Tolleys and its worse than before I started) although I probably won't admit to this part

So - anyone know someone that can fix it for me? Obviously I can move it within the Solent area

Many thanks

 

[Tranona]

Why not give Sea Ventures the Jeanneau dealers in Swanwick a call. pretty sure they will know who is capable of doing the job.

 

[johnalison]

I had (rain) water pouring in from the window in our old Sadler. To my amazement, Capt. Tolley's CCC cured it and lasted for many years. You could give it a try for the season.

 

[Refueler]

I have a bottle of Capt Tolleys on board .... cured my leaky ports.

I do have to redo each year - because when I pressure wash the boat - it drags out the Capt Tolleys from the porthole frames. But a dribble, wipe away the runs / excess ... all good again.

But for OP ... I would suggest Capt Tolleys as temp until finds permanent solution. Gives that bit of extra time to enjoy boat while looking for that fitter.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I have a bottle of Capt Tolleys on board .... cured my leaky ports.

I had a bottle of it on my Jouster, and it completely failed to seal my windows. I think the problem is that it's water soluble, so if there is a reservoir of water around (in my case it was between the glass and the rubber) the stuff is just diluted and flows away. The makers themselves say it isn't suitable for gaps of more than a millimetre.

 

[Refueler]

I had a bottle of it on my Jouster, and it completely failed to seal my windows. I think the problem is that it's water soluble, so if there is a reservoir of water around (in my case it was between the glass and the rubber) the stuff is just diluted and flows away. The makers themselves say it isn't suitable for gaps of more than a millimetre.

Agreed - because the fluid works by capillary action ... getting into the very narrow crack or leak. Its never designed as a full on real leak stopper where significant space or division.
That why my pressure washer removes it from my porthole frame. But it lasts from from pressure wash to next pressure wash ..

 

[Caraway]

Pressure wash. That's posh.

 

[steveallan]

PVA glue diluted to suit (Bosun Steves leak cure).
Works on windows canopy seams etc.

 

[Channel Sailor]

If the yacht is 20 years old or more and the dimension of the Perspex is more than 800mm to 1 metre long, then I suggest it will need to come off. Reasons: some sealant/adhesive design life is often 20-25 years. Also the expansion of the perspex is greater than the grp it is stuck to, which results in the adhesive failing. if the adhesive is not UV protected throughly then it will fail sooner. Adding to the problem are lightly constructed boats where the cabin roof flexes slightly in a rough seaway.

if the replacement Perspex is long, then I suggest use surprisingly large spacers to ensure the thickness of the adhesive is enough to avoid early failure.

I DIY replaced mine on a Jeanneau a few years ago. Luckily I used manufacturer’s adhesive system that had a primers each for the grp/gelcoat and the Perspex. Where one of the primers was also an excellent UV block paint as well. If not DIY then I suggest find someone who has used the same system before or better still has used it on new boat builds.

 

[[185615]]

Hi All

Sun Odyssey 37 with a stuck on acrylic window that needs rebedding as it's leaking and getting worse. Yes I probably could have a crack at it myself but I'm confident that this will mean that

1) It takes forever
2) It looks awful
3) leak will be worse than before
4) there will be adhesive everywhere
5) it will cost more
6) I will call someone out
7) they will ask me who is responsible for the mess
8) I will lie
9) it will cost me much more than getting someone out in the first place
10) (I've already tried with Captain Tolleys and its worse than before I started) although I probably won't admit to this part

So - anyone know someone that can fix it for me? Obviously I can move it within the Solent area

Many thanks

For Gods sake a change of attitude would help enourmously.... Good thngs come in CANS

 

[Stemar]

Good things come in CANS

And bottles

 

[Neeves]

Hi All

Sun Odyssey 37 with a stuck on acrylic window that needs rebedding as it's leaking and getting worse. Yes I probably could have a crack at it myself but I'm confident that this will mean that

1) It takes forever
2) It looks awful
3) leak will be worse than before
4) there will be adhesive everywhere
5) it will cost more
6) I will call someone out
7) they will ask me who is responsible for the mess
8) I will lie
9) it will cost me much more than getting someone out in the first place
10) (I've already tried with Captain Tolleys and its worse than before I started) although I probably won't admit to this part

So - anyone know someone that can fix it for me? Obviously I can move it within the Solent area

Many thanks

Replacing windows is really not difficult. Most of the adhesive companies have simple instructions how to use their product. Making formers from card is easy, children learn these skills in primary school. There are acrylic suppliers in every decent town. Yes it takes patience to remove and clean up the window you have removed - but you own a yacht - so you are prepared for this. If you follow the instructions supplied with the adhesive its really very simple - just don't try to be clever and cut corners.

Now it could be you have bottomless pockets - but I don't think so as in that case you would not now have a 20 year old window to repair - and if you have one now you will have more pretty soon.

So - save the money you frivolously want to throw at some installer and maybe invest it in one of those bottle on post 11 and any change left over will pay for the acrylic and adhesive.

Now how do I know its easy - my wife and I have just done 4. Its not rocket science.

So....if you decide to bite the bullet - start a new thread, following Cleanhull's advice, and you will find lots of useful advice and maybe someone will offer to give you a hand, including emptying the bottle

Jonathan

 

[Crazy-Diamond]

This is what I plan to do for mine

 

[Homer J]

Hi All

See my OP - point no 10 - Capt Tolleys has already been tried and failed. I'm not rich but I want it to work - sometimes DIY can be more expensive

I will try Sea Ventures though - good point